Starlin is a veteran comic creator who made his mark in the 1970s and 1980s with runs on writing and/or drawing Iron Man, Captain Marvel and Warlock, among others. He is the co-creator Thanos, Drax the Destroyer and Gamora; the latter two are characters which figure prominently in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy movie while the former appeared in The Avengers.

Dreadstar told the adventures of Vanth Dreadstar, the last survivor of the Milky Way Galaxy who is torn between two powerful and evil empires, the Monarch and the Church of The Instrumentality. He is aided in his battles by a motley crew of survivors, a mystic by the name of Syzygy Darklock, a telepath named Willow and a cat-man called Oedi.

The character made his first appearance in a Marvel Comics’ Heavy Metal-style magazine named Epic Illustrated before his popularity garnered him his own comic, which was the title that launched Marvel’s creator-owned imprint.

The comic made an impression on avid reader Spink, who said, "Apart from Star Wars, this was my favorite science fiction story growing up." When he learned the rights were available, he pursued them.

“Dreadstar is one of the most important comics on the 1980s, paving the way for creators to control their own creations,” said Gilmore. “After decades of Jim exercising that control and turning away countless Hollywood suitors, I'm excited he's trusting me and J.C. to do it right."

The duo will hire a writer to pen a script before finding the project a home with a studio or financier.